Ryan Garcia Calls Out UFC Champion Sean O’Malley
via BJPenn.com
In an interview done with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, boxing superstar Ryan Garcia called out UFC Bantamweight Champion, Sean O’Malley. Not in boxing, but in the UFC Octagon.
Garcia came into the interview rather upset since his upcoming boxing opponent, Devin Haney and Garcia were waiting in what seemed to be a back room in Helwani’s studio. After discussing topics such as his fight with Haney, relationship with Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, and his change in fight camps.
Helwani then asked him about his ongoing feud with O’Malley. He then claimed that the prospective fight would not be close.
“Yeah bring that m***** f***** (O’Malley) on. I would beat his a** in MMA. Guaranteed,” Garcia said. “I know I would knock him out in boxing, that’s not even fair. What’s fair is to go and test myself in MMA.
O’Malley then fired back on his podcast, The Timbo Suga Show, saying that he agrees that the fight will not be close, but in the Champion’s favor.
“Buddy, brother. I would kill you in minutes,” O’Malley said. It’s not even realistic. It’s crazy how stupid and delusional that is.”
The back and forth then moved to X. Garcia expressed his willingness to fight O’Malley, but only if UFC President, Dana White, would be able to pay him handsomely for this fight.
Although this beef is highly interesting with two of combat sports’ best young stars, the proposed co-promotion between the UFC and Garcia’s promotion, Golden Boy Promotions, is highly unlikely. In addition, the times that boxers have tried their hands at MMA has gone quite poorly. Such as when former Boxing Champion, James Toney, chose to fight former UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion, Randy Couture, and was defeated soundly in the first round.
If this fight does end up happening, not only will it be massive for both sports, but as well as for Garcia and O’Malley’s careers. O’Malley will defend his title on March 9th against Marlon “Chito” Vera, while Garcia will be challenging for the WBC Junior Welterweight title against Devin Haney on April 20th.
